Milpitas, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Milpitas requires written City permission before removing a heritage tree, a protected tree, or any street tree. Under Ordinance 201.5, Section 7, the permit threshold depends on property type and on trunk circumference measured about 4.5 feet above the ground: residential trees of 56 inches circumference or greater (about 18 inches diameter), and commercial, industrial, zoning/subdivision, and vacant-lot trees of 37 inches circumference or greater, require a removal permit. Heritage trees, defined as an outstanding specimen or one of the largest or oldest trees in the city, may not be removed without first consulting Public Works and obtaining a permit. Street trees in the public right-of-way are protected regardless of size, and 'it is unlawful for a resident to prune or remove a street tree.' Permits are processed through the Engineering/Public Works Department; published guidance references a permit fee of about $150 for protected-tree review. Smaller, non-protected trees on private property below these thresholds generally do not require a City removal permit, though owners remain responsible for proper disposal and for any replacement conditions the City attaches.